21 September 2007

Well...I entered into the "Athena" division (meaning my weight is over 150lbs) because there was only one other woman in the category when I signed up on Tuesday (only by God's grace was I able to sign up). Then by God's grace my spinning instructor put on some flat tread tires on my mountain bike from MWR (instead of the mtn bike tires)--which makes a huge difference in drag and being able to glide on the road.

And once I got there this morning I talked with the lady in my category (Sheryl) and we've seen each other at the WOC and working out...and when she told me her estimated times for the events (200 yd swim, 6 mi ride, 2 mi run) I knew that she pretty much had me beat. Especially since she's been training probably.

I was surprised with my times this morning, although my swim was a little slow (probably about 4 minutes), transitioning to bike about 2.5 minutes, biking 23 min (think it should have been faster, I thought this was an 8 mi ride and that should have been done in 25-30 min) then transition to run about 1 min then run...amazingly I surprised myself with this time--about 18:30 for two miles....so it's less than a 10 min mile, and it's after all that stuff. I was happy with that. The Lord even gave me some strength to sprint it out the last few feet and really push. End time (I think--final results posted later today) 48:06.

The winning time for my category was 47:42. That's right. Lost by 24 seconds.

Interestingly enough, my number was 24. =)

I have a trophy, I have a shirt, I worked out, and I did better than I personally expected on the run. God met me and I enjoyed the time...and I got free bananas to take home. I'm happy.

Thanks for the support. I even had a cheerleader here--her name is Stacy, I've met her once before and she was doing the relay (Swimming) and she cheered me on, apparently impressed that I did all three events. She called me her hero. =D

Thank you Lord. To you be the glory forever and ever.Signing off-heading to Olive Garden with Stacy, and content in the Lord.

Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

Colossians 2:14

NIV: having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross.

The sins which have plagued you are written on a list. Santa Claus makes a list and checks it twice in order to find out who’s naughty and nice. Our Father, on the other hand, makes a list and checks it once. Then He nails it to the Cross, where the blood of His Son covers it completely. The list of our sins, shortcomings, and stupidity is blotted out in totality by the blood of the Son of God.

Many Christians aren’t healthy because they fail to understand this foundational and profoundly simple principle. They know they’re forgiven, but they can’t believe the one who hurt them is.

‘You can’t ignore the abuse, the trauma, the anxiety which has been inflicted upon you,’ they are told. ‘It must be dealt with.’

Wait a minute! It wasn’t ignored, and it has been dealt with by Jesus’ blood on the Cross. He hung on the Cross of Calvary dying for the very sin which bugs us in others. Therefore, for us to say, ‘We gotta dig it up and talk it through,’ makes a mockery of what Christ did on Calvary.

20 September 2007

I wanted to share a blessing report--as I took my Block 3 test this morning (and after my last failure...there was a slight amount of pressure) and Satan kept telling me I'd fail since I slept so long yesterday.

But God poured his blessings on me, protected me from Satan's lies, and restored my memory and studying. I got a 97 on the test, missing one question (error in thinking, had I slowed down to really think about it, I could have gotten it right).

But a 97 is incredibly higher than my 63 (last time)....

Thank you Lord. I did nothing to deserve this. I tried to be faithful with my studying and making it a priority. You are amazing God. It's an encouragement to continue studying, to continue pursuing my education with persistence and questions, and study sessions.

Back to class this afternoon...and then the freedom of a 3 day weekend. One weekend closer to coming home to Hawaii... and seeing my beloved husband...and Hawaii...and my amazing Hawaiian fellowship. =)

19 September 2007

13 Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread.NIV: Do not love sleep or you will grow poor; stay awake and you will have food to spare.

Note, 1. Those that indulge themselves in their ease may expect to want necessaries, which should have been gotten by honest labour. "Therefore, though thou must sleep (nature requires it), yet love not sleep, as those do that hate business. Love not sleep for its own sake, but only as it fits for further work. Love not much sleep, but rather grudge the time that is spent in it, and wish thou couldst live without it, that thou mightest always be employed in some good exercise." We must allow it to our bodies as men allow it to their servants, because they cannot help it and otherwise they shall have no good of them. Those that love sleep are likely to come to poverty, not only because they lose the time they spend in excess of sleep, but because they contract a listless careless disposition, and are still half asleep, never well awake. 2. Those that stir up themselves to their business may expect to have conveniences: "Open thy eyes, awake and shake off sleep, see how far in the day it is, how thy work wants thee, and how busy others are about thee! And, when thou art awake, look up, look to thy advantages, and do not let slip thy opportunities; apply thy mind closely to thy business and be in care about it. It is the easy condition of a great advantage: Open thy eyes and thou shalt be satisfied with bread; if thou dost not grow rich, yet though shalt have enough, and that is as good as a feast."

-Matthew Henry Commentary on Prov 20:13

---Holy smokes. This has such great timing, as last night, I went to sleep at 630pm, and woke up this morning. About 9.5 hours of sleep, and although I was rejoicing in this matter, I've realized that I wasn't being as effective as I could have been. I should stayed awake longer to be faithful to my work (studying for test this morning) and to be with Him. I could have gone to bed on time...and still been ok.

Thank you Lord for revealing it to me...and for your grace and forgiveness. You are amazing, and I don't deserve anything.

17 September 2007

I'm stoked because tonight is the concert...and I had a study hour with my instructor, and the quiz for tomorrow was moved to Wednesday, meaning the test for Wednesday was moved to Thursday...

And I had my DR appt today (couldn't do lunch workout) and things are going ok...all ready for my trip home. And I had some great food at the hospital chow hall...and I got to eat lunch with an O-6 and an E-8.

16 September 2007

It has been a while since I've updated...for various reasons. The lack of time has caused me to merely put up random posts (devotionals, lyrics, etc). I feel there is much to talk about, and I don't even know where to begin.

I'll work backwards (most likely not in chronological order)...

I have been blessed with the opportunity to come home to Hawaii for a brief period. As most do know (though I found out today Mari didn't :P) It'll be a 48 hour trip--about 24 hours of travel for 48 hours of paradise pleasure. I'm very excited. To see Marcus and be with him, to enjoy the tropical environment: Swim at Kaimana's, surf somewhere, walk on the beach barefooted, delight my taste buds with: spicy ahi rolls, endamame, and Korean food, and to fellowship with friends (as time allows). And of course, to see my princess Abigail. I've heard she's grown a lot...I'm excited to get to see her one last time before she turns one (Nov 8-I'll be home after that).

I've also been blessed with the opportunity to enjoy Shane & Shane tomorrow evening in a town about 25 minutes away. I'll be able to go with some friends from church...and it should be pretty cool. I'm very excited!

On the other end of things, last Thursday (6 Sep) I failed one of my block exams. Failing an exam isn't a good thing, whereas if you fail a quiz, you have opportunity to prove it was a flop by not failing the next, without major academic reprimand or consequences. Because I failed, I had to retake it the following Tuesday (11 Sep) but could only receive a score of 70 regardless of my retake score. Thankfully I was given a second chance, and I did score a 93 the second time around...but I have lost the opportunity to grasp any academic awards for this course. There have definitely been a lot of lessons learned because of this. First and foremost I realized how off task I was with my schooling. I had put working out ahead of studying, and used fellowship and Bible study as an excuse to not studying. Thinking that God would "bless me" for my choice of choosing Him first, when really I was using him as an excuse to not study and be lazy. Unfortunately I didn't learn my lesson the following Thursday morning (13 Sep) and I failed a quiz. Apparently I needed to be disciplined more than once...and thankfully...this failed quiz is prayerfully the last thing I need discipline for. I initiated a study session with one of my instructors on Friday afternoon, where a classmate and I stayed with him for over 2 hours reviewing a lecture and preparing for a quiz we have tomorrow. I also met with the same classmate this afternoon for a study session. Tuesday at lunch I have another study session, before my test on Wednesday.

Speaking of lunches, I've been trying to work out and get in shape and lose weight and all that good stuff. I found a free spinning class at lunch on Mon/Wed/Fri (when there is school). Even though it's interesting trying to change out of uniform and into workout clothes and shower and change back into uniform and grab food to eat in class (no time for lunch during lunch), it's been quite an experience getting back on the bike...and working harder than I normally do when I ride at home on the streets. Since MWF is workout lunches, Tues/Thurs are my study lunches. Although some issues have prevented me from studying the past Tues/Thurs during lunch...but this week should be different, especially since I set up a session with an instructor for Tuesday (and it's before a test).

This upcoming Friday (21 Sep) is a down Friday, meaning we don't have class. I'm not quite sure what I'll be doing with this free time...

The last 3 day weekend we had, I was able to go with some of my classmates to Pensacola (7 Sep). We left Friday morning, and my friend CJ brought me back to Keesler on Saturday afternoon-in time for Bible study that evening. I had a blast in Pensacola. We went to the beach (it was clean, it was beautiful, it was clean water with some crazy waves breaking close to shore) and we went out for some dancing. It was very fun. Then back to the beach on Saturday. Some of them also tried sailing, but I stayed on shore out of the water (apparently there were alligator sightings). Check out some pics:

Kerrin modeling the fact that there are alligator sightings.

Mike teaching Ben what to do with the boat. Or something

So I gotta admit this water is cleaner than the water in Biloxi...but still. Alligators? Not so sure I wanna go in.

They're getting ready to push off and go in.

The view of Pensacola beach as we were leaving. I had so much fun hanging out on the beach and stuff...I forgot to take pictures.

I took so many pictures on Friday that Saturday morning I hardly had any battery left. I had enough to take this picture:

Anyway. That's that...what else. My friend David Kim from church got engaged to his girlfriend this past Friday (14 Sep) and I was invited to go to the engagement party...that was good fun! I got to meet her (Shannon) and I got to hang out with Jen Jones.

This is Jen Jones and I. She's a pretty typical Southern Girl.

Dan and Carianne...you probably recognize them.

Navy Chaplain Dave and his fiance Shannon. Congratulations!

Jen is this amazingly cool girl (she's a lil bit older than me...barely) and we've been together all weekend! Friday night she took me to the party and we hung out, Saturday after I volunteered at the beach cleanup (where my camera stopped working *sadness*) and she was done with her job, we met up and worked out together...then she brought me to Bible study and we went out for a quick delicious Sonic Bite (I had tots and an Oreo Blast--my weekend treat). Then this morning she picked me and this other person up for church, then she dropped us off. After she did some errands we worked out again together on base...it's been good fun. Don't worry, we didn't hang out tonight though. I deeply considered asking her if she wanted to go to this sushi place I haven't been to before (she likes sushi) but I didn't want to push it. Besides, tomorrow-I'll probably be spending a bit of money.

There was this GINORMOUS tree outside of the restaurant we were at. I'm trying to let you know how much of a tree hugger I am...and HOW BIG this tree is.

Beach Cleanup- we did it yesterday as part of this whole Coast cleanup thing, as a class. So we walked the beach for about two hours, and after like 20 pictures I turned off my camera for the second time, and then it wouldn't open again. It'll turn on and let me see the pictures I've taken, but won't open the lens. Marcus said it has something to do with the fact that a while ago something happened and he had to take something off to get it to work, and it was a matter of time before it stopped working because it was missing that piece. So..it's pretty sad. I didn't realize how much I like taking pictures..until that opportunity is gone. O well. I can't take pictures of tomorrow's concert... :( or anything!!

Our instructors (the one that are officers: Maj Schrumpf on the left and Capt Gonzales on the right)

Waiting around for our gloves and trash bags...

We might be able to get one when I get back to Hawaii...hopefully for the weekend...cause I definitely will need some pics of Marcus and I, and the beach, and the big baby...

Joseph's last meeting...

I had to say goodbye to Joseph. He left this past weekend because his class was over. You might remember him as the Older Brother that drove me around a lot the first weekend I got here...thanks to Mariko who knew him from her class. We had some ono dinner at Ruby Tuesday's...and it was good fun. I'm glad I got to meet him, and hang out before he left.

Anyway. Time to review some notes before I go to bed. Another weekend come and gone. Another day closer to coming back to Hawaii.

Thank you for your love and prayers. And if you get a chance, feel free to try leaving a comment. It should work without having to sign in (Tricia ah*hem).

I know it's been a while, and I do have things to say...but it will have to wait til later...For now check this out:

9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10 And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, 12 and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you F4 to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.

You who desire to be prayer warriors, carefully consider this prayer. Notice how Paul prays for things we don’t even think about. We pray, ‘Oh, Lord, help him to get over his arthritis, or be happy in her relationship, or get the new car.’

But what does Paul pray? Under the inspiration of the Spirit, Paul prays that the Colossians would,

Know the will of God and walk worthy of Him; Be fruitful and strengthened with His might; Be patient and full of joy.

Those are the important issues. Those are the issues of eternity. So if you want to know how to pray for your kids, grandchildren, parents, or husband — listen to Paul pray.

06 September 2007

As I'm standing here, staring into the mirror See the figure of a man trying to take a stand And live for something more Integrity is what I need and honor to my soul I feed To give it up, pack it in, getting rid of all my sin that's weighing me down Won't You come and fill I want You to come and make me more real Take this life, won't You change this life Come and make me whole Won't You take this life, won't You change this life Come and make me whole In my pursuit of what is real My heart is longing with a need to feel my soul come alive I trudge and I step through the height and the death Of a long narrow as I'm growing old And soon I will be home

04 September 2007

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:7

The older I get, the more I’m learning that prayer is not a monologue. It’s a dialogue. I’m discovering more and more that the real need in my life is not for God to hear from me, but for me to hear from Him. And I find that as I walk, drive, or get on my knees, if I will pray a phrase or two and then just rest and be quiet, the Lord will bring specific Scriptures to my mind or will write His will upon my heart concerning how I am to pray.

But if I pray sentence after paragraph after page and then say, ‘OK, that wraps it up for prayer time today’ — I really miss it. Oh, I know that even that kind of prayer has power. Any prayer is better than no prayer. But I suggest that if you learn to pause and listen in prayer, the Lord will show you how to believe on behalf of another and how to pray specifically concerning any given situation.

I just had to SHARE what an amazingly blessed day today has been for me.

First of all...I WOKE UP! and I was able to praise the Lord for another day of being loved by him, and glorifying him.

Then, after I get out of the shower and start having some quiet time, Marcus calls me! So even though we hung up...I thought, man--we could have prayed together. So I called him back...and we did! I mean, he prayed...and it was nice. Prayer adds a connection...that makes it so much better.

The morning obviously started off so well, and I was blessed by the Friday night notes I had from Mackey and Natasha and I was going through that...

Time for school, I finished my work and had choke time to do whatevers, so I worked on my discipleship book for Saturday night Bible study...and pretty much finished the whole chapter! While being able to enjoy some worship music on my Ipod.

I wasn't tired during class, I wasn't hungry as much...and lunch came around...I ate some stuff...and just finished my Acts study...and did stuff and then it was class time already! So the time flew by...and I asked Kerrin if we could stop by and check the mail--and being the angel in disguise she is (even though she had to go to the airport and get her luggage and run errands and she was stinkin tired from getting home way late last night from the airport)...she agreed. And I wasn't really expecting any mail-cause I figured it was too soon for some of it to be there..and voila!

I had a card from someone. I grab it...and it's from Marcus! My husband...who told me that he doesn't write letters...or send cards or anything. Who sends me my swim suit--with a post it that has my address on it...and nothing else. Woah man I was so stoked. I was like a little lovestruck teenager getting a love note. It was awesome.

Then...just working out today and running on the track, I got to encourage this lady to run a lap and push it a little more...and I got to memorize some verses (I've discovered that while exercising--I am able to memorize scriptures pretty well)...and it was cool.

THEN...I was done and heading to the gym to do weights, and I was thinking, "Man, I wish I grabbed some cash so I could get a smoothie for dinner-cause I do not want to eat anything...or I wish I knew someone at the gym who had cash and would let me borrow some..." and I walk in...

And there's like 3 people I know from church-right there at the counter...getting a smoothie!!!! And Solomon gives me $3.50 so I can get a small smoothie after I work out.

You think that's awesome, it gets better.

My WOC classmates (some of them) are going to Pensacola for the weekend--leaving on Friday morning and returning on Sunday...with some intentions of sailing on Friday. At first I really wanted to go...but I thought we were staying for a day. Then today I find out they're not coming back til Sunday...so I told the dude in charge (Coyne) that I'll have to let him know later if I can make it...

So I was torn because I was wondering if the cost would exceed my budget for "fun"--and about missing the fellowship and church and Solomon's last time with the crew (he leaves on Tuesday for Scott AFB IL to start his new career as an AF fire fighter). Anyway--

I was telling Solomon about the dilemma (after I already got some advice from Kerrin and Kim) and he says, "CJ-Aren't you going to Pensacola this weekend?"

It turns out CJ is going to get his car registered...and we can head back on Saturday to make it for the study and church on Sunday.

Sweet yeah? Amazing how God totally works things out.

And how much I TOTALLY don't deserve any of these blessings ... but he has grace and compassion...

Ok. I wanted to share that. Thanks ya'll for prayers and love. It's been amazing. God has been SOOO faithful!

01 September 2007

The time for another Saturday night fellowship...this one a little better. We had some nice interesting arguments...or talks about the Word...then wen did the thing we all love to do...EEEEEEAAAAAATTTTTTTT. At Ruby Tuesdays.

Overall...it was a good night and I'm blessed to have fellowship...even when class is over.

Today Brian (a classmate) and I volunteered with Urban Life Mission Relief to help work on a house they were building for a single parent mom and her daughter. It's so amazing how much damage Hurricane Katrina really hit this part of the Gulf Coast. It's interesting because most of the publicity is off of New Orleans--perhaps because their damage was so destructive because of the levees to break....and thus flooding. But Katrina never hit New Orleans...

Maybe I'm biased because of the work. But. Still...New Orleans isn't the only place that was damaged, horribly. People are still recovering from this devastating storm--and maybe it's touchy because the two year anniversary was on Thursday...

Anyway. I should sleep. It's practically about 1 am...and I'm getting picked up at 745 for church.